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Cranbrook, BC (January 9, 2023) -- This past fall, our Parks crews with Public Works made the difficult decision to take down a 105-year-old cottonwood tree near St. Mary’s Catholic School, which had become quite unhealthy and was becoming a public safety concern.

This tree, lovingly nicknamed the ‘Grandmother Tree’ by the students, was an important place for students of St. Mary’s to gather and learn about the importance of nature, of trees, animals, water and the land.
Students would often build shelters and play outdoor themed games. It was a very special place near the school for students to learn and explore.

Understanding the sanctity of this place to the students, Public Works used parts of the ‘Grandmother Tree’ to construct an outdoor classroom space for students and the community to continue to meet and learn.

Many thanks to the students of St. Mary’s for your kind letters sharing your gratitude with us. Even though the ‘Grandmother Tree’ no longer stands in this place, her physical presence still lingers and the community is welcome to continue to visit this special place.

*Photo credit: St. Mary's Catholic School